WEA courses

The emergence of the House of Lancaster could have led to a major decline of the English realm, yet it achieved its greatest success against the enemy of France. We will begin by looking at the latter part of Henry IV’s reign, and his struggle with his own eldest son the Prince of Wales, and in particular focus on how that rivalry manifested itself in a competition between Henry’s sons. Thereafter however we will then go on to concentrate on the Agincourt campaign under Henry V and the subsequent consequences of the renewed conflict of the Hundred Years’ War.

This course will examine the publishing phenomenon of Nordic Noir, locating its roots in the early twentieth century, before exploring four contemporary novels from the genre. Our texts will be Doctor Glas by Hjalmar Soderberg; Smilla’s Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg; The Bird Tribunal - Agnes Ravatn; The Flatey Enigma - Viktor Arnor Ingolfson and Missing - Karin Alvtegen. These texts will take us inside the mind of Nordic Noir and we will evaluate the common features of the genre and its relationship with crime-fiction, horror and recent forms of Gothic literature. There will be ample scope for lively discussion in our sessions

How did the Roman Empire survive the great challenges it faced during the later 8th century? We will examine how the later reign of Konstantine V and then his heirs not only oversaw an even stricter type of iconoclasm, but also how they brought about other key developments within mediaeval Roman society. We will also explore how the struggle against the Abbasid Caliphate continued to evolve. Finally, we will look at the emergence of Empress Eirene during the later years of the eighth century, and how she maintained her grip on power, despite much internal opposition.

This course is essential for learners who are learning via online and using the Canvas as a virtual learning environment. The course will cover essential skills such as how to log onto the canvas, how to to upload assignments on the canvas, send emails using the canvas inbox and use zoom. This training equips you with essential skills on how to learn effectively using the canvas and zoom applications. By the end of the course, you'll be both confident and proficient in using the features on both the canvas and zoom to successfully complete your learning online. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

"Introduction to Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools" is designed for anyone interested in gaining essential knowledge and skills to work with children and young people in educational settings. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in understanding schools as organisations, safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Learners will also explore key aspects of health and safety and how to support positive behaviour in the learning environment. You will be able to understand the UK policies and procedures covering confidentiality, data protection and disclosure of information. Upon successful completion, you will be prepared to progress to a Level 2 Qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning with the WEA, opening opportunities for a career in education support roles.

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

Get digitally fit for modern life and gain confidence in facing situations that require digital skills. Build on your basic computer skills in this Improvers course and see how digital training can help to transform your life. This intermediate Digital Skills course is for anyone wanting to improve their computer skills. Digital training teaches you skills for learning, life, and work. Improving your digital skills can help you in your everyday life. This course could also help you progress to job roles that require digital work skills.

This course is delivered in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and the Old School, for existing students on the Language@Work programme. Gain confidence in facing situations that require digital skills. Build on your basic computer skills in this introduction course and see how digital training can help to transform your life. This Digital Skills course is for people who want to improve their computer skills. Digital training teaches you skills for learning, life, and work. . Your friendly, positive tutor will guide you and there will be opportunity for practise.

Experience the therapeutic benefits of clay modelling with our Ways to Wellbeing: Clay Modelling course. Learn techniques for creating clay sculptures and decorative items to enhance your well-being. Ideal for individuals seeking creative expression through clay.

Does the thought of using computers, the internet and other digital technologies leave you feeling out of touch and overwhelmed? Have you thought about gaining some digital skills but didn’t know quite where to turn? If the answer to these questions is a resounding “Yes!” then you will feel right at home on our new Digital Skills for Everyday Living course. Here at the WEA, we have been busy developing this new and exciting course for people with little or no experience of digital technologies who want to acquire the skills to become ‘digitally literate’ in their everyday life and work. Our aim is to empower you to confidently engage with the digital world of laptops, smart phones, email, news, word processing, social media, entertainment, shopping and more.